Dark Horse Comics Solicitations for December, 2013

Dark Horse has provided CBR News with covers and solicit information for products shipping December 2013. When you're through checking out these solicitations, be sure to visit CBR's Indie Comics Forum and discuss these Dark Horse releases with fellow readers.

HISTORY'S GREATEST REVENGE TALE!47 Ronin HCMike Richardson (W), Stan Sakai (A/Cover), and Lovern Kindzierski (C)On sale Feb 19FC, 144 pages$19.99HC, 6˝ x 9˝Japan's enduring national legend comes to comics! The tale of the 47 Ronin and their epic mission to avenge their wronged master epitomizes the samurai code of honor, and creators Mike Richardson and Stan Sakai have done justice to their story! Meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated, this collection of the acclaimed miniseries recounts this sweeping saga of honor and violence in all its grandeur. Opening with the tragic incident that sealed the fate of Lord Asano, 47 Ronin follows a dedicated group of Asano's vassals on their years-long path of vengeance! • From Mike Richardson (Star Wars: Crimson Empire) and Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo)!• Tons of bonus art and behind-the-scenes extras!"If you're a fan of the samurai genre then this is a no-brainer . . . if you've never given it a chance then this is the perfect gateway book to the genre." —Comic Bastards"Stan Sakai makes Japan all the more exciting with this comic, and Richardson's narrative builds an epic tale reminiscent of Kurosawa's greatest films." —Graphic PolicyGuest artist Michael Avon Oeming (The Victories, Powers)!Abe Sapien #8Mike Mignola (W), Scott Allie (W), Michael Avon Oeming (A/Variant), Dave Stewart (C), and Max Fiumara (Cover)On sale Dec 11FC, 32 pages$3.50Ongoing Abe dives into a horrific cavern believed to be a portal to the Mayan version of Hell!• Ties in to Hellboy in Mexico!• A complete story in one issue—a perfect jumping-on point for the ongoing series!"Ah . . . feel that? That's the breath of fresh air that is Abe Sapien."—iFanboyCAITLÍN R. KIERNAN'S DARK FANTASY EPIC!Alabaster: Pale Horse TPCaitlín R. Kiernan (W) and Greg Ruth (Cover)On sale Feb 12b&w, 248 pages$14.99TP, 8" x 5 1/4" An albino girl wanders the sun-scorched back roads of a south Georgia summer, following the bidding of an angel or perhaps only voices in her head, searching out and slaying ancient monsters who have hidden themselves away in the lonely places of the world.• Caitlín R. Kiernan is an International Horror Guild Award–winning author!• A complete collection of the Alabaster prose short stories. "Caitlín R. Kiernan is the poet and the bard of the wasted and the lost."—Neil GaimanSeason 9 concludes!Angel & Faith Volume 5: What You Want, Not What You Need TPChristos Gage (W), Rebekah Isaacs (A), Dan Jackson (C), and Steve Morris (Cover)On sale Feb 19FC, 136 pages$17.99TP, 7'' x 10''Angel's quest to restore Giles's life has entered its last stage. As he and Faith prepare to carry out their task and resurrect an old friend, Season 9's Big Bads enter the last phase of their own plan to restore balance to earth.• Executive produced by Joss Whedon!"I've said it before and I'll say it again: if Gage and Isaacs work on a comic together, I'll buy it, no questions asked. As always, good times."—Comic Book Resources#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Search Library Edition HCMichael Dante DiMartino (W), Bryan Konietzko (W), Gene Luen Yang (W), and Gurihiru (A/C/Cover)On sale Feb 5FC, 240 pages$39.99HC, 9" x 12"The biggest mystery of Avatar—the fate of Fire Lord Zuko's mother—is revealed in this remarkable oversized hardcover collecting parts 1–3 of The Search, from Airbender creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko!Featuring annotations by Eisner Award–winning writer Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese) and artistic team Gurihiru (Thor and the Warriors Four), and a brand-new sketchbook, this is a story that Avatar fans need in an edition they will love!• The official continuation of Airbender from its creators and best-selling writer Gene Luen Yang!• Collecting The Search Parts 1–3, with tons of extras!"A wonderful reintroduction to the world of Aang and his merry band of benders."—NerdistAxe Cop animated TV series now airing on FOX!Axe Cop Volume 5: Axe Cop Gets Married and Other Stories TPMalachai Nicolle (W) and Ethan Nicolle (A/Cover)On sale Feb 12FC, 160 pages$14.99TP, 6 5/8" x 10 3/16"After a messy divorce with Abraham Lincoln, Axe Cop is determined to find a new wife to help raise his newly adopted bat and monkey children in Axe Cop Gets Married! Also features the epic bowzer battle story The Dogs, multiple "Ask Axe Cop" episodes, guest comics, "Axe Cop Presents," and much more awesomeness!• Axe Cop Volume 1 has sold over 20,000 copies to date!• Winner of a 2012 YALSA award!• Foreword by Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation)"Only a genius writer like Francesco Francavilla could figure out how to write the perfect comic for the genius artist Francesco Francavilla to draw—and Black Beetle is it. Innovative, exciting, evocative, explosive—and so black light bends around its edges. I love this book." —Matt Fraction (Hawkeye, Casanova)The Black Beetle: Necrologue #3 (of 5)Francesco Francavilla (W/A/Cover)On sale Dec 18FC, 32 pages$3.99MiniseriesWhile recovering from his first nightmarish encounter with Mudman, the Black Beetle finally faces the menace brought to his doorstep by Dr. Stephano Corallo—coiled and ready to strike! Prepare yourself for the nerve-shattering horror issue everyone will be talking about!• Features a brand-new backup feature written and drawn by Francavilla: Little Black Beetle!• Eisner Award winner and New York Times bestseller Francesco Francavilla! "Francesco Francavilla grabs the reader by the throat, then takes them on a thrill ride packed with action, adventure, excitement, mystery, and intrigue."—Newsarama"Let us all celebrate and cheer as Francesco Francavilla has revealed himself to be a major force in modern comics and the Black Beetle is one of the BEST new series and characters of the decade! Explosive noir graphics wrapped in pulp. Fun, visceral and exciting. This is why I love comics!" —Brian Michael Bendis (Powers, Uncanny X-Men)MEGAMADNESS FROM THE CREATOR OF TRIGUN!Blood Blockade Battlefront Volume 5 TPYasuhiro Nightow (W/A)On sale Feb 5b&w, 208 pages$12.99TP, 4 5/8'' x 7 1/4''An escaped Blood Breed brings Libra operative Zap Renfro's former master to New Jerusalem, and Zap must once again prove his skills to avoid being dragged back to the harsh training grounds of his school. And though Zap is a formidable fighter, he'll need the assistance of the other Libra agents and his own young apprentice to imprison the Blood Breed before it wreaks untold havoc upon our world!• Trigun: Badlands Rumble animated film now available in North American markets."Everything we've come to expect from Nightow, all done up in his signature style."—Comic AttackCLAMP's unique contribution to the Blood+ saga!Blood-C Volume 3 TPCLAMP (W) and Ranmaru Kotone (A)On sale Feb 19b&w, 200 pages$12.99TP, 5 1/8" x 7 1/4"As the ruse of her small-town life comes crashing down around her, Saya Kisaragi uncovers the mastermind behind a huge plan to deceive and test her! Katanas clash in CLAMP and Production I.G's vampire-battling saga, taking the story right up to events in the feature-length anime film Blood-C: The Last Dark!• Based on CLAMP's original story line and character designs!• Dark Horse has sold over 70,000 copies of previous Blood+ volumes!Saya strikes back at those who would manipulate her!THE HARD-HITTING SERIES COMES TO DARK HORSE!Bloodhound: Crowbar Medicine #3 (of 5)Dan Jolley (W), Leonard Kirk (A/Cover), Robin Riggs (I), and Moose Baumann (C)On sale Dec 11FC, 32 pages$3.99MiniseriesWhile Clev investigates whether teleporting man in black Terminus is friend or foe, controversy rages over a scientist's promise to grant superpowers to private citizens he deems worthy. And when an attempt at crime fighting by one of the newly empowered goes explosively wrong, of course Clev's caught in the middle!• The acclaimed series is back with a vengeance!• From Dan Jolley (Prototype 2) and Leonard Kirk (X-Factor)!The return of Liz Sherman!B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth #114Mike Mignola (W), John Arcudi (W), Tyler Crook (A), Dave Stewart (C), and Rafael Albuquerque (Cover)On sale Dec 18

FC, 32 pages$3.50OngoingLiz Sherman brings a fiery assault to the mad doctor's hospital and his army of mutant monsters, while the B.P.R.D. plans a sneak attack on Manhattan—now under the Black Flame's control. • Art by Eisner winner Tyler Crook (The Sixth Gun).• Leads right into "The Reign of the Black Flame," a five-issue arc by James Harren!Cover by Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire, Animal Man)!"10 out of 10."—NewsaramaBreath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem HCSteve Niles (W), Matt Santoro (W), and Dave Wachter (A/Cover)On sale Feb 26b&w, 80 pages14.99HC, 8" x 12"A British plane crashes in a Jewish village, sparking a Nazi invasion. Using clay and mud from the river, the villagers bring to life a giant monster to battle for their freedom and future. Collects the entire miniseries.• 2012 Russ Manning Award nominee Dave Wachter!• From the creator of 30 Days of Night and Criminal Macabre!• Steve Niles's Breath of Bones has been called one of 2013's best series!"Everything Steve Niles touches is magic. Breath of Bones is a wonderful and emotional story."—Comic Book TherapyThe Secret Service's top agent knows EXACTLY what you're thinking!Brain Boy #0Fred Van Lente (W), Freddie Williams II (P), Ego (C), and Ariel Olivetti (Cover)On sale Dec 11FC, 32 pages$2.99One-shotWhen the United States Secret Service needs to make sure a location is safe for the president, they call Matt Price, a.k.a. Brain Boy, the world's most powerful telepath. Raised by his parents' employer after their deaths, Matt studied and honed his incredible psychic abilities under the tutelage of Albright Industries. Jump back in time to one of Brain Boy's first missions with this #0 issue. He may have a powerful mind, but he's in over his head! Collects the Brain Boy run from Dark Horse Presents!• Fred Van Lente (Archer & Armstrong) and Freddie Williams II (Green Arrow, Captain Atom) team up!• A great jumping-on point for new readers!BOOZIN' AND BRUISIN'!Buzzkill #4 (of 4)Donny Cates (W), Mark Reznicek (W), Geoff Shaw (A/Cover), and Lauren Affe (C)On sale Dec 18FC, 32 pages$3.99MiniseriesRuben's greatest enemy has awakened from his catatonic state. The last time they clashed, their battle laid the city to waste. Can a newly sober Ruben take on this monster from his past without resorting to the alcohol that's always generated his superpowers? The compelling miniseries comes to a gut-punching conclusion!• The unflinching conclusion of this miniseries will leave you breathless and wanting more.• Cowritten by Toadies drummer Mark Reznicek!Captain Midnight #6Joshua Williamson (W), Eduardo Francisco (A), Stefani Rennee (C), Freddie Williams II and Dan Scott (Cover)On sale Dec 18FC, 32 pages$2.99OngoingCaptain Midnight heads to Washington, DC, to help Agent Jones learn the truth behind the mysterious Project Black Sky. But Jones's investigation into Black Sky is raising red flags with the wrong people, which puts Captain Midnight on a collision course with a deadly assassin who, even with all of Midnight's intelligence and resourcefulness, might be too much for him to handle.• Captain Midnight takes on a Black Sky assassin!• Cover by Freddie Williams II and Dan Scott!• Written by Ghosted creator Joshua Williamson!• The beginning of a new two-part story!"Joshua Williamson does a good job tackling well-worn ideas and giving them a fresh lick of paint."—The Beat"I'm ready for more Captain Midnight, ready for more Nazi punching action and more polar bears." —IGNAN ULTRACOSMIC FOUR-COLOR RIOT!Catalyst Comix #6 (of 9)Joe Casey (W), Paul Maybury (A), Ulises Farinas (A), Dan McDaid (A), Brad Simpson (C), and Brendan McCarthy (Cover)On sale Dec 4FC, 32 pages$2.99MiniseriesThe hits come harder and faster, with 28 big pages of modern-age madness! In this earth-shattering issue, Amazing Grace goes galactic, Frank Wells practices transcendental annihilation, and the Agents of Change stick it to reality!• Joe Casey (Sex, Gødland) rewrites the rules of supercomics!• Artists Dan McDaid (Doctor Who), Ulises Farinas (Gamma), and Paul Maybury (Aqua Leung) tear it up! • Cover by Brendan McCarthy (The Zaucer of Zilk)!• 28 pages of story at only $2.99!"I have seen the future of superhero comic books, and it's called Catalyst Comix."—Comics The Gathering"Catalyst Comix cements Dark Horse's place as a major player in superhero comics." —Onion, A.V. ClubTHE CROWN FALLS!The Chronicles of King Conan Volume 7: Day of Wrath and Other Stories TPDon Kraar (W), Mike Docherty (P), Judith Hunt (P), Geof Isherwood (I), Vince Colletta (I), Art Nichols (I), George Roussos (C), and Michael Kaluta (Cover)On sale Feb 26FC, 208 pages$19.99TP, 7" x 10"While Conan's army is defeating the Picts, an enemy alliance assails Conan's crown city. His depleted legions have no chance against these new adversaries, but a pact with his homeland is possible . . . if Conan can defeat the fearsome Cimmerian chieftain in a battle to the death!• New editions of long out-of-print Conan titles from Marvel Comics!• See new King Conan comics from Dark Horse!WHEN YOU WANT A JOB DONE RIGHT . . . SEND IN THE CLOWNS!Clown Fatale #2 (of 4)Victor Gischler (W), Maurizio Rosenzweig (A), Moreno Dinisio (C), and Tim Seeley (Cover)On sale Dec 11FC, 32 pages$3.99MiniseriesHarlequin vixens Chloe, Aya, Tina, and Candy may not be assassins, but they're armed and dangerous and pissed. The girls must accept a local-yokel crime boss's murder-for-hire contract if they ever hope to escape the demeaning life of being clowns in a two-bit circus.• Featuring covers by Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash, Revival).• By Victor Gischler (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Spike—A Dark Place, Kiss Me, Satan!)!CONAN VS. N'GORA—TO THE DEATH!CONAN THE BARBARIAN #23Brian Wood (W), Riccardo Burchielli (A), Dave Stewart (C), and Massimo Carnevale (Cover)On sale Dec 18FC, 32 pages$3.50OngoingOn the poisonous banks of the cursed river Zarkheba, the crew of the Tigress is driven to madness by an ancient and unspeakable horror. Now—beyond all hope and reason—their only chance for salvation may rest along the edge of Conan's blade!• From Brian Wood (Star Wars, The Massive) and Riccardo Burchielli (Legends of the Dark Knight, American Vampire).• The final story arc of "Queen of the Black Coast" heats up!• The most-talked-about Conan comic in years!CONAN BATTLES FOR A KIDNAPPED QUEEN!Conan and the People of the Black Circle #3 (of 4)Fred Van Lente (W) and Ariel Olivetti (A/C/Cover)On sale Dec 11FC, 32 pages$3.50MiniseriesDesperate soldiers, ruthless mercenaries, vengeance-crazed tribesmen, and evil sorcerers—they're all out for Conan's blood! After the Black Seers of Yimsha seize Queen Yasmina and withdraw to their mountain fortress, will the Cimmerian be able to reclaim the woman that he himself has taken hostage?• From Fred Van Lente and Ariel Olivetti, the celebrated team behind Hercules and Hulk!• Conan like you've never seen him—fully painted by Olivetti!• With The Legend of Conan announced for 2014, Dark Horse's Conan is essential reading!Corben, Williamson, Wrightson, Severin, and more!Creepy Archives Volume 18 HCVarious (W/A)On sale Feb 12FC, 288 pages$49.99HC, 8 3/8" x 10 7/8"Fresh and bizarre terrors abound in Creepy Archives Volume 18, collecting issues #84–#88 of Warren Publishing's flagship horror anthology. Reprinting issues themed around doomed sports scenarios, classic monsters, Christmastime atrocities, and the entrancing planet Mars, this beautiful hardcover also features all original fan pages and letter columns!• Includes Bernie Wrightson's illustrated poem "A Martian Saga."• Both dark . . . and darkly funny!"With solid writing and unforgettable art ranging from ultra-realistic to bad acid trips, Creepy rightfully holds a place in comics history."—FangoriaTHE MONSTER WAR BOILS OVER!Criminal Macabre: The Eyes of Frankenstein #4 (of 4)Steve Niles (W), Christopher Mitten (A), Michelle Madsen (C), and Justin Erickson (Cover)On sale Dec 18FC, 32 pages$3.99MiniseriesSelf-proclaimed supernatural expert Jason Hemlock has revealed himself to be more dangerous than even occult detective Cal McDonald suspected. And now Cal, Mo'Lock, and Frankenstein's monster must escape a supernatural cage fight that will leave Cal changed forever.• Featuring Frankenstein's monster!• The thrilling series conclusion!• Dark Horse horror will leave you senseless!2013 Eisner Award Winner!Dark Horse Presents #31Mike Mignola (W/Cover), Jamie S. Rich (W), Matt Kindt (W/A), Caitlín R. Kiernan (W), Mike Baron (W), Steve Horton (W), Phil Stanford (W), Fred Van Lente (W), Bryan J. L. Glass (W), Chad Lambert (W), Mick McMahon (A), Brent Schoonover (A), Steve Lieber (A), Steve Rude (A), Ryan Cody (A), Patric Reynolds (A), Reilly Brown (A), Victor Santos (A), and Christine Larsen (A)On sale Dec 18FC, 80 pages$7.99OngoingIn a direct follow-up to the uberpopular Hellboy in Mexico, Mike Mignola and Mick McMahon tell another tale set south of the border, in which . . . Hellboy gets married! First of two parts!Gain some insight into the next arc of Matt Kindt's runaway hit MIND MGMT as we meet . . . the Magician! Bryan J. L. Glass and Victor Santos reveal the brutal new heroine of their new creator-owned series, Furious! And Chad Lambert and Christine Larsen give new meaning to the phrase "Kill me!" in the new story of the same name.Plus, new installments of Integer City, Alabaster, Nexus, Monstrous, City of Roses, and Saint George!• Preview the new creator-owned series Furious with an original tale by Bryan J. L. Glass (Mice Templar) and Victor Santos (Polar, Mice Templar)!• Features a new tale from Matt Kindt's hit MIND MGMT!• Hellboy gets married!"Seriously, this is comics' best kept secret trove of great comics."—Comic Book ResourcesWARNING: READING MAY INDUCE FEAR AND REVULSION!Eerie #4Al Ewing (W), Dan Jolley (W), Howard Chaykin (W/A), Ales Kot (W), Kelley Jones (A), Norm Breyfogle (A), and Jim Pavelec (Cover)On sale Dec 11b&w, 32 pages$3.99OngoingCousin Eerie's back to write you a prescription for terror! Prepare to show symptoms of psychological disturbance after psychotreatment by Professor Al Ewing and Kelley "Sawbones" Jones, while Dan Jolley, MD and Dr. Norm Breyfogle diagnose you with eternal doom! It's time for your annual chilling checkup!• Stomach-turning tales ripped from Grey's Scarenatomy!• Kelley Jones (Criminal Macabre) and Norm Breyfogle (Batman) lay down the ink with surgical precision!• Monster gallery by Howard Chaykin!Game of Thrones: Map Marker Set with MapOn sale Apr 16Six Map Markers range from 4.5" to 6" in heightMap is 50" x 35.5" cloth material$199.99In the HBO adaptation of Game of Thrones, we see Robb Stark plotting the movements of opposing armies using a map of Westeros and a set of sculpted map markers, each hewn into a representation of one of the house symbols. We have reproduced these items in their true size, using the actual props as reference.The six individual map markers range from 4.5" to 6" in height, and mimic different materials. Each is hand-painted. The map itself is full size, 50" x 35.5" cloth material with a paper backing, reproduced in color. The big size allows the owner to move the map markers in scale and formulate strategic situations or reproduce those from the show.The map markers and folded map are stored in a deluxe, heavy-duty, 14" x 4.75" x 18" hinged-lid presentation box, protected by a full-color, thick-stock sleeve.Game of Thrones: Weirwood Snow GlobeOn sale Apr 166.5" tall, packaged in a full-color collector box$99.99The weirwood trees are unique to Westeros, distinctive for the smooth white bark on their wide trunks and their blood-red leaves and sap. Most weirwoods have ancient faces carved into their trunks.An enormous weirwood grows beyond the Wall. This is the subject of our Game of Thrones snow globe.The sculpture is finely detailed. The definition of the tiny red leaves and branches in the blowing snow is striking. The old carved face is wise. The glass sphere is 120 mm in diameter, with the sculpted base, it is 6.5" high. Beautifully packaged in a full-color collector box. Limited edition of 1000 pieces and includes a certificate of authenticity.DR. OCTOBER RETURNS!Ghost #2Kelly Sue DeConnick (W), Chris Sebela (W), Ryan Sook (A), Dave McCaig (C), and Terry Dodson (Cover)On sale Dec 4FC, 32 pages$2.99OngoingAn unlikely ally sneaks Ghost into a secret meeting, where a legion of disguised demons gather around Dr. October—until her cover is blown! Meanwhile, the very human serial killer prowling the streets of Chicago takes a personal interest in Sloane and Tommy!• The return of Ghost's archnemesis!• Chaos reigns in the White City!• Stunning art from Ryan Sook (Action Comics Vol. 2 Annual)

"Alex de Campi is a writer of tremendous talent and, more importantly, a creator of genuine vision." —Mark Waid (Daredevil)

Grindhouse: Doors Open at Midnight #3 (of 8)Alex de Campi (W), Simon Fraser (A), and Francesco Francavilla (Cover)On sale Dec 4FC, 32 pages$3.99MiniseriesThe correctional transport ship Antares is home to the baddest beauties this side of the Milky Way, but when their demented warden starts taking her jollies from the prisoners' hides, the babes of Block E fix to bust out!• Trashtastic cover by Francesco Francavilla!• Artist Simon Fraser (2000 AD) joins writer Alex de Campi (Smoke, Valentine)!HALO BEGINS!Halo: Escalation #1Chris Schlerf (W), Sergio Ariño (P), Juan Castro (I), Michael Atiyeh (C), Anthony Palumbo (Cover), and Kenneth Scott (Variant cover)On sale Dec 11FC, 32 pages$3.99OngoingHalo®, the most celebrated video game series of all time, joins forces with Dark Horse for a thrilling new ongoing series!The UNSC flagship Infinity is assigned escort duty for a diplomatic mission between the Arbiter and a powerful chieftain of the Brute tribes—but when a rogue Covenant group attacks, it's going to take all the firepower the Spartans have to keep the delegates alive!• First issue of an all-new ongoing Halo series from Dark Horse!• An essential addition to the Halo canon!• The Halo franchise has sales eclipsing $3 billion over its lifetime!• From Christopher Schlerf, lead writer of Halo 4!The conclusion to the first arc of Hellboy's adventures in Hell!Hellboy in Hell #5Mike Mignola (W/A/Cover) and Dave Stewart (C)On sale Dec 4FC, 32 pages$2.99MiniseriesHellboy helps a confused man who sold his soul for a magic whip—a story inspired by one of the stranger Grimm's fairy tales.• Written and drawn by Mignola!• This is what it's all been building to since 1994!"Whether this is your first time or you're a diehard fan, Hellboy in Hell is the kicker to a very big chapter in Hellboy's world."—Bloody Disgusting"If you've ever followed Hellboy, then you should be reading it and if you've been curious about the character then now's as good of a time to start reading."—Comic Bastards"There's real wit on every page."–George A. RomeroThe Incredible Adventures of Dog Mendonça and PizzaBoy Volume 2: Apocalypse TPFilipe Melo (W), Juan Cavia (A/Cover), Santiago Villa (C)On sale Feb 26FC, 160 pages$14.99TP, 6'' x 9''A middle-aged werewolf, a six-thousand-year-old demon, a nervous gargoyle, and an out-of-work pizza delivery boy take a stand against the four horsemen of the apocalypse! A humor-filled romp through Judgment Day, this edition includes a foreword by director George A. Romero, a special "making of" section, and all Dog Mendonça stories from the Eisner Award–winning DHP anthology!• Includes all Dark Horse Presents stories!Foreword by legendary filmmaker George A. Romero!SHIROW RETURNS!Intron Depot Volume 5: Battalion TPMasamune Shirow (W/A)On sale Feb 19FC, 128 pages$44.99TP, 8 1/4" x 11 1/4"Masamune Shirow, creator of Ghost in the Shell and Appleseed, is legendary amongst manga and anime enthusiasts, and his game-industry credentials are equally impressive. Battalion presents Shirow's design and conceptual art for Asura Fantasy, RF Online, Fire Emblem, and others, showcasing his stunning illustration and commentary on his sophisticated CG techniques.• Translation by Dana Lewis (Lone Wolf and Cub).• Deluxe-format softcover with dust jacket.• From the creator of Ghost in the Shell, Appleseed, and Dominion.• Fifth installment in popular Intron Depot series.ART BALTAZAR & FRANCO TAKE ON HELLBOY!Itty Bitty Hellboy #5 (of 5)Art Baltazar (W/A/C/Cover) and Franco (W)On sale Dec 18FC, 32 pages$2.99MiniseriesIt had to happen. It was unavoidable. Sooner or later, we all end up there. That's right! It's time to visit our friend who lives underwater! Let's go hang out with Abe Sapien! Are Hellboy and his pals underwater by choice? Or did something more sinister send them to the cold, lagoony depths? We know one thing: Abe does not mind the company! And where is Lobster Johnson during this visit? When all is said and done, sometimes a beach party is the best way to go . . . even if you happen to be in the swamp.• The creators of Tiny Titans, Superman Family Adventures, and Aw Yeah Comics come to Dark Horse!!!!• Mike Mignola's characters, drawn by Art Baltazar and Franco!HE HAD TO RAISE HELL TO EARN HIS WINGS!Kiss Me, Satan! #4 (of 5)Victor Gischler (W), Juan Ferreyra (A/C), and Dave Johnson (Cover)On sale Dec 18FC, 32 pages$3.99MiniseriesAfter a contract-killer shaman ambushes our heroes, undercover demon Barnabus Black takes a group of witches back to his safe house, where he equips them with a massive arsenal to prepare for a final showdown with the werewolf mafia.• Covers by Dave Johnson!• By Victor Gischler (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Spike—A Dark Place, Clown Fatale) and Juan Ferreyra (Colder, Rex Mundi)!• Drawing on your nightmares!From the pages of Hellboy!Lobster Johnson Volume 3: Satan Smells a Rat TPMike Mignola (W/Cover), John Arcudi (W), Kevin Nowlan (A/C), Sebastián Fiumara (A), Wilfredo Torres (A), Tonci Zonjic (A), Joe Querio (A), and Dave Stewart (C)On sale Feb 12FC, 144 pages$18.99TP, 7'' x 10''Hellboy's favorite gun-blazing vigilante takes justice to the skies aboard a Nazi-filled zeppelin and to the gritty alleyways of Chinatown against an army of monkeys. Collects The Prayer of Neferu, Caput Mortuum, Satan Smells a Rat, A Scent of Lotus #1–#2, and "Tony Masso's Finest Hour" from Dark Horse Presents #9.• Featuring art by Tonci Zonjic, Kevin Nowlan, Sebastián Fiumara, and more."If you have never before read a Lobster Johnson story, this is an awesome place to become acquainted with this character."–Comic VineMass Effect: Foundation #6Mac Walters (W), Matthew Clark (P), Sean Parsons (I), Michael Atiyeh (C), and Benjamin Carré (Cover)On sale Dec 18FC, 32 pages$3.99OngoingJacob and Miranda's mission takes a deadly turn as the duo find themselves in the gun sights of a vicious batarian warlord!Mass Effect 2 and 3 lead writer Mac Walters continues the thrilling series set during the events of BioWare's blockbuster science fiction trilogy!• A canonical entry into the Mass Effect universe!• Mass Effect 3 was the winner of Best RPG at the 2012 Spike VGAs!• BATTLE IN THE TERMINUS SYSTEM!"Mass Effect's lead writer does it again in this next installment of the sci-fi franchise."—CultureMassMass Effect: Foundation Volume 1 TPMac Walters (W), Tony Parker (A), Omar Francia (A), Michael Atiyeh (C), and Benjamin Carré (Cover)On sale Feb 5FC, 96 pages$16.99TP, 7'' x 10''Introducing Rasa, a mysterious agent working behind the scenes for the Illusive Man and his human-survivalist paramilitary group, Cerberus! First, learn how she began her life as a covert operative—then, follow her investigations and witness formative events in the lives of signature characters Urdnot Wrex, Ashley Williams, and Kaidan Alenko! Collects issues #1–#4 of the Foundation series.• From Mac Walters, lead writer of Mass Effect 2 and 3!• Art by Tony Parker and Mass Effect veteran Omar Francia!• Ties into the Mass Effect 3: Citadel DLC pack!Return to the Citadel!"In a period where Wood's name seems to pop up all over the industry, this series has emerged as one of his most ambitious and rewarding so far."—IGNThe Massive #18Brian Wood (W), Garry Brown (A), Jordie Bellaire (C), and J. P. Leon (Cover)On sale Dec 18FC, 32 pages$3.50Ongoing "Longship" concludes with an inland excursion that pits the ex-mercenaries of Ninth Wave against warriors seemingly from another time, culminating in a bloody battle between Captain Israel and a longtime enemy.• One of Comic Book Resources' Best Comics of 2012!• Ninth Wave versus Vikings!• Save the whales!Brian Wood's ongoing series heats up!Never dying! Never forgetting!NEVER ENDING #2 (of 3)Adam Knave (W), D. J. Kirkbride (W), and Robert Love (A/Cover)On sale Dec 18FC, 32 pages$3.99MiniseriesEvil genius Archibald Crane's goal has been to kill the seemingly immortal hero Charles "Chuck" Baxter—and now, shockingly, it's Chuck's goal, too! Earth's only superhero makes a devastating deal with the devil, as the past comes into focus and Chuck's losses become too much for him to cope with!• Robert Love's superheroic follow-up to Number 13!• The Eisner and Harvey Award–winning writers behind Amelia Cole deliver a strange, stunning superhero adventure!FROM THE CREATORS OF REVIVAL!The Occultist #3 (of 5)Tim Seeley (W), Mike Norton (A), Allen Passalaqua (C), and Steve Morris (Cover)On sale Dec 4FC, 32 pages$3.50MiniseriesOur hero has turned his back on his monster-fighting responsibilities as the Occultist to be with his new friends, and a new love—but at what price? Bear witness as Robert Bailey breaks the ancient pact between the living and the dead!• Art by Mike Norton (Battlepug, Revival) • Written by Hack/Slash's Tim Seeley!• Cover by Steve Morris (Serenity, Angel & Faith)"The Occultist is a comic you should be checking out."—Comic Book ResourcesZOMBIE CARNAGE FROM GEOF DARROW!Shaolin Cowboy #3 (of 4)Geof Darrow (W/A/Cover) and Dave Stewart (C)On sale Dec 11FC, 40 pages$3.99OngoingThe saga of the Shaolin Cowboy's war against the walking dead, who have followed him from the Fourth Level of Hell, is running on fumes. Will he, with only his fists and twin chainsaws, be able to reform this congress of the undead before its mindless hunger and overpowering self-interest overrun the world?!• From multiple Eisner winner Geof Darrow (Hard Boiled, Big Guy and Rusty)!• Comics' brutalest hero is back!• Don't miss Darrow each month in Dark Horse Presents!Now a four-issue series!"What do a talking horse and a shaolin priest have in common? Each other. Add to this strange pair a band of assassins (including a talking monkey with a gun) and you get Shaolin Cowboy." —Comic Critique SCIENCE VS. THE SUPERNATURAL!S.H.O.O.T. First #3 (of 4)Justin Aclin (W), Nicolás Daniel Selma (A/Cover), and Marlac (C)On sale Dec 18FC, 32 pages$3.99MiniseriesThe Secular Humanist Occult Obliteration Taskforce faces off against a forest full of fairies, elves, and magical creatures . . . without their guns! Secrets are revealed, dragons are wrestled, and the stage is set for the shocking final confrontation! Don't miss the series the NY Post calls "hotly anticipated"!• Original, irreverent, and controversial!• Aclin and Selma are the next "it" team in creator-owned comics!"Is S.H.O.O.T. First Dark Horse's next big hit?"—NewsaramaMIKE MIGNOLA'S ONE-MAN ARMY TAKES ON THE NAZIS!Sledgehammer 44: Lightning War #2 (of 3)Mike Mignola (W), John Arcudi (W), Laurence Campbell (A/Cover), and Dave Stewart (C)On sale Dec 18FC, 32 pages$3.50MiniseriesThe iron soldier known as Sledgehammer is the only one who can lead a rescue mission of a kidnapped American about to spill top-secret information on the Flying Wing warplane to the Nazis and their own supersoldier—the Black Flame!• From the pages of Hellboy!• Laurence Campbell takes the reins of Sledgehammer!"Mignola has hit a home run with this character."—Comic Bastards"The creative team from the first page to the final panel capitalize on raw emotions to sell this incredible tale and trust me they succeed. Highly recommended."—Unleash the FanboyBrian Wood! Star Wars!STAR WARS #12Brian Wood (W), Carlos D'Anda (A), Gabe Eltaeb (C), and Hugh Fleming (Cover)On sale Dec 11FC, 32 pagesv$2.99OngoingAfter a battle with the Empire, it is a time of reunions, departures, and reassessments. Han and Chewie return from their mission to Coruscant, Luke deals with love lost, and Leia must accept greater responsibilities within the Rebellion. But first she has an important announcement for the Rebel commanders . . .• Wedge forms Rogue Squadron!• Leia uncovers a deep betrayal!"If you ever wondered if Star Wars could ever recapture that childlike glee of those earliest of memories, wonder no more. Star Wars is back and it's never been better."—Newsarama"Wood's stories are filled with sentiment and suspense, action and adventure."—Comic Book ResourcesThe Star Wars event of the year!The Star Wars #4 (of 8)Jonathan Rinzler (W), Mike Mayhew (A), Rain Beredo (C), and Nick Runge (Cover)On sale Dec 4FC, 32 pages$3.99MiniseriesGeneral Skywalker and Jedi-in-training Annikin Starkiller have a deadly encounter with mounted Stormtroopers! An encounter with outlaws in a cantina leads to a meeting with smuggler Han Solo! And a Jedi makes the ultimate sacrifice to save one of Princess Leia's younger brothers!Duel in the desert!• Official eight-issue adaptation of George Lucas's original rough-draft screenplay for Star Wars!THE CANTINA SCENE YOU DIDN'T SEE!"Wheatley's art is riveting."—Comic Book ResourcesStar Wars: Dark Times Volume 7—A Spark Remains TPRandy Stradley (W), Douglas Wheatley (P), Dan Jackson (C), and Benjamin Carré (Cover)On sale Feb 26FC, 128 pages$19.99TP, 6 5/8" x 10 3/16"Together with their old friend Dass Jennir and a new Jedi acquaintance, the crew of the Uhumele is plotting to take down the Galactic Emperor's second in command, Darth Vader! For this foolproof plan, they'll be offering something the Dark Lord won't be able to resist: Jedi. Collects Star Wars: Dark Times—A Spark Remains #1–#5.• Vader on the hunt . . . for Jedi!• Darth Vader grooms an assassin for the Empire!Darth VaderA force worth following!Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Cry of Shadows #1 (of 5)Tim Siedell (W), Gabriel Guzman (A), Michael Atiyeh (C), and Felipe Massafera (Cover)On sale Dec 18FC, 32 pages$3.50MiniseriesDuring the Clone Wars, a single trooper—left for dead during battle—comes to hate the Jedi generals who abandoned him. Years later, he lives on, bitter and angry, until hearing tales of a great warrior. Now, this clone believes he may have found the leader he should have been following all along . . . Darth Vader!• All-new series starring Darth Vader!• Tim Siedell (@badbanana) has one of Time's 140 Best Twitter Feeds!"A fine example of what Vader can and should be all about."—Comic Book ResourcesSeek and Destroy!Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi—Force War #2 (of 5)John Ostrander (W), Jan Duursema (P), Dan Parsons (I), Wes Dzioba (C), and David Michael Beck (Cover)On sale Dec 18FC, 32 pages$3.50MiniseriesThe Je'daii go on the offensive against the invading Rakatan Empire!Xesh uses his Force Hound training to locate the Rakatan command center, which sparks an ambitious plan: infiltrate the enemy stronghold and kill the supreme commander. But Xesh has not accounted for a traitor in his own ranks!• The war that determines the future of the Jedi!• John Ostrander and Jan Duursema pull out all the stops!Don't ever tell a Solo the odds . . .Star Wars: Legacy #10Corinna Bechko (W), Gabriel Hardman (W), Brian Thies (A), Rachelle Rosenberg (C), and Agustin Alessio (Cover)On sale Dec 18FC, 32 pages$2.99OngoingWith a little help from her friends, Ania Solo is leading the Mon Calamari slaves to freedom . . . Don't bother telling her the odds of anyone coming out alive against an enormous force of armed pirates! "Ania Solo makes you definitely want to come back to see more."—Comic Vine"Star Wars done right."—IGN"I can't wait to read what they do next. Recommended."—Unleash the Fanboy"Legacy has long stood as one of the most interesting and original new additions to the Expanded Universe."—IGNStar Wars: Legacy Volume 3 HCJohn Ostrander (W), Jan Duursema (W/P/Cover), Dave Ross (P), Dan Parsons (I), Brad Anderson (C), and Jesus Aburto (C)On sale Feb 12FC, 440 pages$34.99HC, 6" x 9"Last heir to the legacy of the Skywalkers, Cade Skywalker is ready to turn his back on the galaxy for good. But as the rumored death of Sith Emperor Darth Krayt sets into motion a struggle for power . . . it becomes clear to Cade that he is the true last hope for the galaxy. Collects Star Wars: Legacy Volumes 9–11, and Legacy #37–#40 from Legacy collection Volume 8.• The perfect companion to the new Legacy series by Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko!• Handsome hardcover with dust jacket!"Kudos to Lapham and crew for adapting del Toro and Hogan's story and making it into something truly incredible."—Graphic PolicyThe Strain: The Fall #6David Lapham (W), Mike Huddleston (A), Dan Jackson (C), and E. M. Gist (Cover)On sale Dec 18FC, 32 pages$3.99OngoingWhen Nora tries to shepherd Eph's son to safety outside the city, her subterranean escape from Manhattan is intercepted by the boy's mother—a freshly turned vampire! Meanwhile, Eph comes face to face with the man that helped engineer the vampiric coup!• The vampire conspiracy . . . REVEALED!• The next chapter in the Strain Trilogy by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan! "A high octane adventure filled with action and suspense." —Bloody Disgusting"Essential reading."—Bleeding CoolThe Strain: The Fall Volume 1 TPDavid Lapham (W/A), Mike Huddleston (A), Dan Jackson (C), Lee Loughridge (C), and E. M. Gist (Cover)On sale Feb 5FC, 128 pages$19.99TP, 7" x 10"Unable to kill the Master—the powerful vampire behind the epidemic infesting New York City—Dr. Ephraim Goodweather begins to self-destruct as battle lines are drawn. It's now up to a handful of humans—an ailing pawnbroker, an exterminator, a scientist, a gangbanger, and an alcoholic—to stop an ancient evil from devouring the human race! This collection includes issues #1–#4 of the acclaimed series and the short story featured in Dark Horse Presents.• Soon to be a TV show on FX!• The Strain Trilogy continues with THE FALL!JMS WRITES THE ULTIMATE TERMINATOR STORY!Terminator Salvation: The Final Battle #1 (of 12)J. Michael Straczynski (W), Pete Woods (A/Cover/Pencil variant cover), and Matthew Wilson (C)On sale Dec 4FC, 32 pages$3.99MiniseriesA-listers J. Michael Straczynski and Pete Woods unite for the biggest Terminator story ever! Hopping between the future and the past, this sweeping, twelve-issue epic counts down the end of the Machine War—but not the one fans expect! Everything's at stake, and the fates of Skynet and John Connor will be told!• The story Terminator fans have been waiting for!• From the mind of superstar writer J. Michael Straczynski (Ten Grand, Amazing Spider-Man, Thor)!• Fan-favorite artist Pete Woods (Superman, Deadpool)!

DD MAU TO THE RESCUE!The Victories #7Michael Avon Oeming (W/A/Cover) and Nick Filardi (C)On sale Dec 4FC, 32 pages$3.99OngoingThe Victories are behind bars, and only DD Mau can break them out. But how can they reach her—and will she be up to the task? Can DD overcome her crippling self-doubt to be the hero she needs to be?• #FindtheVictories• The Victories ongoing raises the stakes!"Fans of superhero comics will find this series aims to provide a more thought-provoking, adult-oriented narrative."—Newsarama

By Eisner Award winner Michael Avon Oeming (cocreator of Powers)

THE DOGS HAVE THEIR DAY!X #8Duane Swierczynski (W), Eric Nguyen (A), Michelle Madsen (C), and Alex Garner (Cover)On sale Dec 11FC, 32 pages$2.99OngoingRuidoso and his partners have Leigh safely in custody, but Lt. Setter and his Dogs of War will stoop to any low to snatch her away. The struggle within the police force erupts into a full-on firefight when X shows up to enforce his own law—and what he does next will shock you!• The high-octane series that's been flooring readers!• An intense conclusion to the "Dogs of War" arc!"Nguyen does not hold back. Everything from explosions to knife wounds to headless corpses are all captured with gory accuracy."—Major Spoilers